The sport of motocross has seen countless talents rise and fall over the years, but few have touched the hearts of so many as Rhys “Roo” Burnett. In 2019, at just 17 years old, this young rider tragically lost his life after a racing incident during the final round of the WA State Motocross Championships at Manjimup. His death left a gaping hole in the WA motocross community — a community that he had given so much to, and one that has, ever since, kept his memory alive in the most meaningful way possible.
Now, six years later, Ride 4 Roo — the annual event created in his honour — is set to be more than just a race. It’s a celebration of a life lost too soon and a tribute to a boy who inspired all who knew him with his fierce love for the sport.
The Legacy of a Rising Star
Rhys Burnett wasn’t just a talented rider — he was a natural. A rider who, in the words of his coach and close friend Luke Davis, “would try anything.” Whether it was in the heat of competition or at the end of a long training session, Rhys was always pushing the limits, always striving to be the best he could be, for his family, his friends, and for himself.
In 2018, Rhys took home two state titles and finished sixth at the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in Tasmania. He was poised to take the next step in his career, and his move into senior competition in 2019 was a clear indication that a bright future was ahead of him. Tragically, that future was cut short.
But Rhys’ impact on the sport — and on the people who knew him — remains profound. His coach, Luke Davis, describes him as “one of the best kids I ever had the privilege of coaching,” and the entire motocross community shares that sentiment.
“Rhys was always about pushing boundaries,” Luke said. “All he wanted was to make his parents proud, and he did that in spades.”
Ride 4 Roo: More Than Just a Race
What started as a small memorial event to honour Rhys has grown into something much bigger — a full-blown celebration of his life, his spirit, and his enduring legacy.
Ride 4 Roo, now in its sixth year, is more than just a motocross competition. It’s a community coming together, not just to race, but to remember a young rider who embodied the very heart of the sport.
Each year, the event at the Manjimup Motorcycle Club has grown, attracting more riders, spectators, and families who come to pay tribute to Rhys. This year, as always, Ride 4 Roo will feature competitive racing across multiple classes, and it will also offer a weekend full of family-friendly entertainment — camping, food, and off-track activities — ensuring that the entire community can be part of something truly special.
A Weekend to Remember: Racing, Prizes, and the Spirit of Roo
The 2026 Ride 4 Roo event, scheduled for Saturday, 11 April, is already shaping up to be one of the most significant gatherings in the event’s history. A strong field of riders will line up to honour Rhys, including his close friends and teammates like Regan Duffy, Matt Fabry, Deacon Paice, Sonny Pellicano, Brock Flynn, Mario Dercole, and Dean Porter — all riders who shared Rhys’ passion for motocross and continue to ride in his memory.
But Ride 4 Roo is not just about racing — it’s about making sure Rhys’ legacy lives on. There will be significant prize money up for grabs, along with a 2026 YZ250F, TTR 110, and international star rider jerseys. These prizes reflect Rhys’ talent — a talent that deserves to be celebrated and remembered.
As Luke Davis puts it, “This event is about remembering Rhys, it’s about what he loved, and it’s about honouring his memory.”
The Heart of the Event: Community and Connection
At the heart of Ride 4 Roo is a simple truth: motocross is a family. This event is as much about the people as it is about the bikes. It’s about coming together to celebrate a life cut short, to create memories with friends and loved ones, and to honour a rider who left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who knew him.
For Luke Davis, who coached Rhys through many of his formative years, Ride 4 Roo is about keeping Rhys’ spirit alive. It’s a moment everyone can remember, not just the competitor, but the person—the young man who loved the sport more than anything, whose energy, drive, and kindness left a lasting legacy.
“There’s a reason why this event continues to grow, year after year,” Luke said. “Because it’s not just about racing. It’s about remembering Rhys and the way he made us all feel. This is his legacy.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Ride 4 Roo event in 2026 is expected to be the biggest yet. With record crowds, exciting racing, and an atmosphere filled with camaraderie, it will once again prove that Rhys Burnett’s memory lives on in the hearts of everyone who attends.
Manjimup will host more than just a race that weekend; it will host a celebration of life, of love, and of community. And every lap raced, every cheer from the crowd, and every smile shared will be for Roo.
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